will fall off the fiscal cliff, leading to less disposable income next year. so this year, it's taking more than a good deal for retailers to make a sale. >> a lot of people talk about value. the thing they don't talk about is affordability. so while you may think that sweater at barney's or nordstrom's is a value, at whatever price it is, you can't afford it. and affordability is something that is resonating a lot more than value. >> reporter: so the season is not expected to be a sparkling one for merchants, with gains in the low to mid single digits. discounters are expected to do better than luxury stores. but don't forget, it is the holidays, and christmas just wouldn't be the same without a few splurges. >> we kind of get in the spirit of shopping. we go, okay, okay one more, oh they'd really like that, he'd really like that-- and a little for myself, too. >> reporter: erika miller, nbr, new york. >> susie: don't let the fiscal cliff scare you away from buying stocks. that's the advice to investors from andy cross, the chief investment officer at the mot